Discover the least and most expensive private colleges in America – and your state

While most private universities are expensive, some are preposterously so, leaving graduates with huge debt burdens they have little hope of ever paying off.

To help you avoid these toxic institutions, we list the most expensive private colleges in the US – as well as in each state.

The college costs we provide reflect annual net price – or how much the average student actually ends up paying for their education at these expensive private universities – after financial aid.

Are private schools more expensive than public?

Private schools tend to be a lot more expensive than public ones.

While private colleges often advertise their generous scholarships, claiming that few students pay the full sticker price, they are still 54% more expensive than public universities on average, even after all cost factors, like financial aid, room, board, etc. have been accounted for. This is clearly illustrated by our research on public vs private colleges (spoiler: public universities are a better deal).

There are notable exceptions to this trend. Perhaps surprisingly, an Ivy League education is very affordable for most people (if you can get in) thanks to their large endowments. One Ivy League – Princeton – even appears on our list of America’s cheapest private colleges.

Other private colleges, like Berea, buck the trend by offering very low (even free) tuition.

The most expensive private colleges in the U.S. (net cost per year)

Below, we list the most expensive private colleges in the US by annual net cost for bachelor’s students.

Note that this list differs slightly from the one shown in our article on the real most expensive colleges in America, as we have narrowed our sample a little bit to exclude special-focus institutions like seminaries and health science schools that don’t conform to people’s traditional understanding of a college.

California Institute of the Arts | Annual net cost – $56,876

The most expensive private college in America is the California Institute of the Arts, or CalArts. Students at this pricey university pay an average of $56,876 per year in tuition, textbooks, and lodging. That’s right, per year!

CalArts is located in Santa Clarita, California. Most students major in art, dance, critical studies, video, music, or theater, which are not known to be highly lucrative degrees post-graduation. While this college may produce highly accomplished artists, students wary of drowning in student debt should be wary.

Beacon College | Annual net cost – $50,481

Second on our list is Beacon College, situated in Leesburg, Florida. Beacon was founded in 1989 to cater to students with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning disabilities. While Beacon’s intentions may be noble, and it may be doing a lot to help certain underserved populations succeed academically, students are paying a lot for this chance: an average of $50,481 per year.

Berklee College of Music | Annual net cost – $46,805

Berklee is a highly regarded music college in Boston, Massachusetts. It is particularly well known for the world-class jazz musicians it trains, with alumni winning numerous Grammies, Emmies, Tonies, and even Academy Awards.

While being an alum of Berklee will put you in pretty good company, and may earn you respect in the music industry, the privilege has a hefty price tag, with the average student paying $46,805 per year for their education and associated costs.

Berklee’s exorbitant prices and terrible economic outcomes post-graduation make it our nomination for the worst college in America by ROI, despite its alumni’s many talents.

University of Miami | Annual net cost – $46,098

University of Miami is a private research university in Coral Gables, Florida, a suburb of Miami. It offers over 130 undergraduate majors, and it is home to a law school and a medical school. Its campus is beautiful, and it is conveniently located next to a thriving metropolitan area, but going to UM isn’t cheap: the annual net cost of attendance is $46,098.

ArtCenter College of Design | Annual net cost – $46,054

This private art school is in Pasadena, California, in the heart of Los Angeles County. It is a pretty expensive option for artistically inclined individuals, with the average student paying $46,054 per year to attend. While it is a well-respected institution among designers and visual artists, students should remember that this is a tough industry to break into, and graduating with too much debt can suffocate them financially.

Emerson College | Annual net cost – $45,171

A private liberal arts college in Boston, Massachusetts, Emerson was founded in 1880 as a “school of oratory.” Today, the College is divided into a School of Communication and a School of the Arts, and it offers 31 undergraduate majors. It has one of the largest film departments in the country. Although it has been named a “top regional university” by U.S. News & World Report, students should beware the price tag, which averages $45,171 per year.

Rhode Island School of Design | Annual net cost – $44,979

Another arts school (there are a lot on this list), the Rhode Island School of Design costs an average of $44,979 per year. If you can afford this, then the nationally renowned Rhode Island School of Design Museum, one of the largest college art museums in the country, is yours to enjoy. While this very selective college has produced many successful artists, the average salary, 10 years after enrollment, is $58,131. This is pretty good for an art school, but prospective students should still be prudent about taking on too many student loans.

Spelman College | Annual net cost – $44,833

Spelman is a Historically Black women’s liberal arts college in Atlanta, Georgia with a solid academic reputation. By net cost, it is the most expensive HBCU in the country, with the average student paying $44,833 to attend. It is home to the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art, which is devoted to art by women of the African Diaspora.

Savannah College of Art and Design | Annual net cost – $44,632

A private art school with 2 locations in the State of Georgia, SCAD is one of the most well-known art and design college in the American Southeast. While SCAD hosts many arts events for the local community, such as the Savannah Film Festival and deFINE Art, it is a very expensive university, costing the average student $44,632 per year.

Loyola Marymount University | Annual net cost – $44,467

Rounding out our top 10, LMU is a private university located in Los Angeles, California. It was founded by Jesuits and is still affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. Students at Loyola Marymount University pay an average of $44,467 per year on university-related expenses.

The New School | Annual net cost – $44,430

This small, private research university in New York City bills itself as a home for progressive thinkers. It includes the world-renowned Parsons School of Design, Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts, and the College of Performing Arts. Students pay a premium to attend this elite arts school, with the average student forking out $44,430 per year on their education.

Chapman University | Annual net cost – $44,198

A private research university in Orange County, California, Chapman was founded in 1861. It is one of the most expensive colleges in the country and the 4th most expensive private college in California. The average net cost of attendance is $44,198 per year.

Bucknell University | Annual net cost – $43,895

Bucknell, a liberal arts college in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, is a small institution that consists of the School of Arts and Sciences, the Freeman College of Management, and the College of Engineering. While students may appreciate the community aspect of studying at a small liberal arts college, this privilege comes at a price – $43,895 per year to be precise.

Villanova University | Annual net cost – $43,577

Villanova is the oldest Catholic university in the state of Pennsylvania, having been founded in 1842 by the Augustinians. While it is a well-respected research institution, it caters mostly to a higher-income student body, who can afford to pay $43,577 per year on university costs.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute | Annual net cost – $42,835

Worcester Polytechnic, located in Massachusetts, is one of the oldest engineering and technology universities in the country. While graduates go on to earn relatively high salaries thanks to the lucrative nature of tech degrees, the high average net cost – $42,835 per year – may make you think twice about attending.

Southern New Hampshire University | Annual net cost – $42,645

SNHU is one of the fastest growing universities in the world. While most of its degrees are 100% online, it also has a campus near the town of Manchester, NH. The average student forks out $42,645 per year to attend Southern New Hampshire University.

Santa Clara University | Annual net cost – $42,614

This private Jesuit university in Santa Clara, California has one of the most beautiful campuses in the country: it surrounds the historic Mission Santa Clara de Asis, founded in 1777. Studying in such a beautiful locale comes at a high price, however; the average net cost per year is $42,614.

Sacred Heart University | Annual net cost – $42,431

Another Catholic University, SHU is located in Fairfield, Connecticut. It is the 2nd largest Catholic university in New England. While it may provide students with a quality education in a faith-based environment, it is far from affordable. The average net cost for students is $42,431 per year.

Howard University | Annual net cost – $41,388

Howard, situated in Washington D.C., is one of the most rigorous and well respected historically Black colleges in the country, with illustrious alumni like Kamala Harris, Toni Morrison, and Ta-Nehisi Coates. However, a Howard education comes at a premium price: $41,388 per year on average.

Bentley University | Annual net cost – $41,334

Rounding out our list of the 20 most expensive private colleges in the U.S. is Bentley, a university in Waltham, Massachusetts. Originally founded as a school of accounting and finance, it has expanded to offer many more overpriced undergraduate and graduate degrees. Bentley costs the average student $41,334 per year.

The most expensive college in each state – by annual net cost

In the table below, we show the most expensive private college in each state – except Wyoming, which has no private 4-year institutions at all. Data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics’ IPEDS tool.

Net cost refers to the average cost per year to attend each college – after financial aid.

Berea College | Annual net cost – $5,222

The least expensive private university in the U.S. is Berea College. This private liberal arts college in Kentucky is famous for being one of the few institutions of higher learning in the U.S. that offers free tuition. That means that Berea’s average net cost of $5,222 per year mostly goes to accommodation, textbooks, and other living expenses. Berea also has the honor of being the first racially integrated college in the South.

Brigham Young University, Idaho | Annual net cost – $6,698

BYU Idaho is a private university in Rexburg, ID associated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (also known as the Mormon Church). At just $6,698 per year on average, it is the second cheapest private college in the U.S. BYU is a great choice for LDS students who want to study in a faith-centered environment where their values will be respected.

Heritage University Annual net cost – $6,850

The average student pays just $6,850 per year to attend Heritage University, which is the 3rd cheapest private college in the U.S. by net cost. Heritage is a small university on the Yakama Indian Reservation in Toppenish, Washington.

College of the Ozarks | Annual net cost – 7,195

College of the Ozarks is another college that offers most students free tuition, with many work-study opportunities available to help cover additional costs. As a result, the average student pays just $7,195 to attend. This Christian university in Point Lookout, Missouri emphasizes patriotic education and character development.

Franklin University | Annual net cost – $7,201

A private university in Columbus, Ohio, Franklin rounds out our top five least expensive private colleges in the U.S, with an average net cost of just $7,201 per year. This college was founded to meet the needs of non-traditional students who are a bit older than most collegegoers. Many of its degrees are offered fully online.

Kentucky Mountain Bible College | Annual net cost – $7,235

As its name may suggest, Kentucky Mountain Bible College, or KMBC, is a private, religious institution located in Vancleve, Kentucky. Many of its alumni become missionaries and pastors around the world. The average yearly net cost of attendance is just $7,235 per year.

Magdalen College | Annual net cost – $7,933

This small private liberal arts college in New Hampshire is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. It is also known as Magdalen College of the Liberal Arts. Students who attend can major in philosophy, theology, history, literature, or the great books. The average net cost is only $7,933 per year.

Peirce College | Annual net cost – $8,382

Coming in at number 8, the average net price of attending Peirce College is just $8,382. It is a small private college in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that focuses on adult education. Students can major in business, healthcare, IT, general studies, or paralegal studies.

Rust College | Annual net cost – $8,924

Rust is a private HBCU (historically Black college/university) in Holly Springs, Mississippi. It is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Besides being the 2nd oldest private college in Mississippi, it is also one of the oldest colleges for African- Americans in the U.S. The average net cost per year is just $8,924.

University of the West | Annual net cost – $8,968

This private university in Rosemead, California is affiliated with the Buddhist faith. Classes have been taught since 1991. The college is home to several research centers, including the Institute for the Study of Humanistic Buddhism, the Digital Sanskrit Buddhist Cannon, the Institute of Chinese Buddhist Studies, and the Center for the Study of Minority and Small Businesses. Students attending UW pay an average of just $8,968 per year.

LeMoyne-Owen College | Annual net cost – $9,337

LeMoyne-Owen is a historically black college in Memphis, Tennessee. It is affiliated with the United Church of Christ, and it has many beautiful historic buildings on its campus. Students at LeMoyne-Owen pay an average of just $9,337 per year to attend.

God’s Bible School and College | Annual net cost – $9,534

This Christian-affiliated Wesleyan university offers degrees in education, music, theological studies, and more. Although its main campus is in Cincinnati, Ohio, many of its degrees are available fully online. Students here pay just $9,534 per year on average to attend.

Princeton University – Annual net cost $9,836

Princeton is an Ivy League university in New Jersey. While you may be surprised to see such an elite institution on a list of the most affordable private universities, remember that the Ivy Leagues have large financial endowments, allowing them to offer generous scholarships to those who can get in. Thanks to financial aid, the average student at Princeton pays just $9,836 per year for their education. Princeton proves that you don’t need to overpay to get a world-class education.

Western Governors University | Annual net cost – $9,969

Western Governors, or WGU, is an online university based in Millcreek, Utah. It was founded following a brainstorm by the Western Governors Association in the mid 90s. The governors of several Western states wanted to create an affordable, competency-based university that offers courses online. The average net cost of attending WGU is just $9,969 per year.

Bethany College | Annual net cost – $10,030

A private liberal arts college in West Virginia, Bethany should not be confused with the identically named university in Kansas. It was founded in 1840 and is the first institution of higher learning in the state. Bethany students pay an average of $10,030 per year to attend this small college.

Hobe Sound Bible College | Annual net cost – $10,205

This Bible school is located on Florida’s Treasure Coast. It aligns itself with the conservative holiness movement and Methodist theology. Hobe is a very affordable option for people who want to study in a Christian environment, as the average student pays just $10,205 per year in various costs.

Beulah Heights University | Annual net cost – $10,235

Another private Christian university, Beulah Heights University is located in Atlanta, Georgia. Students can study business, leadership studies, or religious studies, paying on average only $10,235 for the pleasure.

North American University | Annual net cost – $10,393

North American University, or NAU, is a private university in Stafford, Texas offering degrees in business, criminal justice, computer science, and education. It is the most affordable college in Texas, with students paying an average of just $10,393 per annum to attend.

Calvary University | Annual net cost – $10,735

This private Christian university is located in Kansas City, Missouri. It is one of the most affordable colleges in the mid-West, with students paying just $10,735 per year on average for their education.

Baptist University of the Américas | Annual net cost – $10,887

Rounding out our list of the least expensive private colleges in the U.S. is Baptist University of the Américas, a small private university in San Antonio, Texas. Formerly known as the Hispanic Baptist Theological Seminary, it serves Latino communities who wish to study in a Baptist environment. The average net cost is just $10,887 per year.

The least expensive private college in each state – by annual net cost

In the table below, we show the least expensive private college in each state. Once again, Wyoming is the exception, as it has no private 4-year universities. Data comes from IPEDS.

Net cost refers to the average cost per year to attend each college – after financial aid.

Where we get our data

Our data is sourced from IPEDS, a tool provided by the National Center for Education Statistics, and College Scorecard, a government initiative to make educational outcome data more accessible to the public.

Why are private schools more expensive?

While public schools are partially funded by the government, most private colleges rely exclusively on your tuition fees.

Some very prestigious private universities keep afloat thanks to their large endowments, which consist of alumni donations and trust funds. However, most private institutions of higher learning need to charge more for tuition in order to run.

Closing thoughts: expensive doesn’t mean better

Expensive private universities often try to sell you on the idea that they offer a unique, personalized college experience that will grant you a better education and more opportunities down the road.

They often advertise small class sizes, study-abroad experiences, experiential learning opportunities, internships, mentorships, and more.

However, our research on private vs public universities reveals that public institutions are usually the better deal. While graduates of private colleges do tend to have higher salaries, this comes at a considerably higher cost.

And, at the end of the day, it’s unclear whether these high salaries are more thanks to the quality of education, or the demographic characteristics of private colleges’ student bodies (who are more likely to be upper-middle class and white).

Don’t fall for the hype. Rather than signing up for an intimate “college community,” and graduating with too much debt, choose a college that offers a high return on your educational investment.

Check out our list of the best-value national universities in the country and save yourself thousands. Future you will thank you.